Double hemibody irradiation with GM-CSF as salvage therapy for refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

We describe a new and original therapy with total body irradiation in two separate 4 gy single courses (double hemibody irradiation) combined with GM-CSF support, 5ug/day on days 1-15 after each hemibody irradiation, for refractory patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A complete response was observed in a patient with a B-CLL resistant to CAP and FAMP therapy. Overall tolerance was good. The major points of interest in this technique are the combination of the antitumor effect of irradiation, limited bone marrow toxicity and a potential specific anti-leukemia effect of GM-CSF.

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